Blogs

http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntk=P_MarCom&Ntt=148736674

New at Mouser, This module needs an antenna.

The popular DIY Drones Telemetry Kit is back in stock and better than ever! It now includes a custom XtreamBee adapter-to-APM cable. No more fiddling around with jumper cables and having to check if one fell off (or dealing with bricked Xbees because of a loose power connection). Same price as before ($150.00)

You can also buy the cables by themselves ($1.50)

http://www.varesano.net

It is not mine, just popped up when googling more info for new pressure sensor MS5611 (new for me :-))

It was such a cool place to fly FPV. My favorite flight was probably when I got to chase the airboat.

I knew tigers were big but until you meet one face to face you can’t really imagine how massive and powerful they really are. Luckily this tiger was super well trained and were more like a big cat than a fierce killer. 

The alligators really wanted to eat the Tricopter and jumped all over the place. I had to be really careful as not to get video of the digestion system of an alligator when flying around.

If someone told me a couple of years ago that I was going to fly a triangle of wood with a camera strapped to it, filming tigers and alligators, I would have laughed. I’m so glad that I had the luck to get to do this.


Trivia:

This video is made from 7 different flights.

In this video the Tricopter is equipped with hacker motors instead of the usual AXN2213 motors. The reason behind this is that the AXN motors were killed in the crash into saltwater during the video “Cancún”. I personally prefer the AXN motors to the Hacker on the Tricopter.

During some flights the Tricopter was equipped with two GoPros. One facing forward, the other facing downwards.

I still use the original frame from the first Tricopter build.

Although it looks like I’m hitting the airboat driver in the video, I’m not that close. I cut the throttle and let the Tricopter take the hit instead of our airboat driver. The airboat driver asked afterwards why I crashed instead of flying passed him. He didn’t feel that is was as close as I did apparently.

Although the crash looks pretty hard, nothing broke. I flew another 2 flights that day.

The tiger loved the Tricopter which actually made it harder to film as it constantly wanted to get underneath the Tricopter and out of frame.

Setup:

Airframe: Tricopter

Stabilization unit: KK

RC TX: Hitec Aurora 9 2.4GHz AFHSS

RC RX: Hitec Optima 9

Camera: GoPro Hero HD set at 720p 60FPS

Video TX: 1.3GHz 300mW, Cloverleaf antenna
Video RX: 2 x 1.3GHz Lawmate

Video RX 1 antenna: Skewplanar wheel

Video RX 1 antenna: Helical

Diversity controller: Eagletree Eagle Eyes

More info on www.RCExplorer.se

Dear Friends,

in these day i continue to investigate the better way to develop good video with Hexafox32 platform.

I add the managment of gimbal on code and doing a video , then i put the result in stabilization software in this video on the left is possible to see the hardware stabilization (some times you see the front tail move on video ) and on the right the software optimization doing in post processing.

What do you think about my results , this video is doing with GoProHD , but i doing also other video with a compact camcoder Panasonic SD90. I'm also working on VR Dragon with MP32 on board with professional gimbal stabilization for manage Canon EOS 7D or my 600D

for more info my skypeid is : virtualrobotix Original Post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/hexafox32-with-auto-gimbal

Best

Roberto

Check out our unique in-flight starter motor for the MVVS 26cc on a custom built Senior Telemaster.

The system is lightweight and robust. Works from a cold start. Works again and again... it is great for extreme long duration flights and vibration free (i.e., no image blur) video or stills while the engine is off. Also, for all those people struggling with gyro drift, you can get a good gyro fix when the engine is off as well.

Cheers from the MotMen UAV team, Newcastle, Australia.

i have been struggling with gyro drift and up to now no real solution exists.

it effects the pirates and the newer arducopter2 code base because both build upon the same dcm implementation.

i played around with the pirate code base and could improve the situation a little bit.

and after a few trials i decided to replace the current dcm implementation by the quaternion solution from sebastian madgwick.

what i need is some more tuning and a better pilot :)

there was quite a bit of wind today. and gusty wind between the rain showers.

I've been spending a lot of time over the last few weeks trying to figure out the optimum battery, motor and prop configurations in my skyfun to provide the maximum range and endurance options. Operating on a limited budget, I've been trying to avoid trial and error and make the right choices based on specs.

This is not easy but I've settled on a lower kv motor than many have chosen, running a larger prop with a 3300Mah 3s battery at only 20C (lower C batteries weigh less). The motor I've chosen is a Scorpion II SII-2208, 1100kv, 130W, 45grams, 12Amps, 10 x 4.5 prop.
I'm still mulling over ESC choice.
The final choice was also based somewhat on easy availability in New Zealand (Turnigy is not widely stocked).

There are a lot of suggestions on this and other forums about motor and prop choice which is helpful but what is missing is a semi technical discussion about endurance, range and speed and how to maximize these on any given platform. In the commercial UAS and military worlds, range, endurance and speed can mean the difference between a useful platform and something that is useless. In general, many of the systems people are building here do not seem to be optimized and are achieving quite poor endurance and range.

In commercial aviation, the optimum cruise speed is not based on endurance or range but rather to minimise time. Airliners need to get to their destination in the minimum time while using the least amount of fuel possible so the optimum cruise speed is the speed that flies the fastest possible speed using the least possible fuel per hour.

UAS's are totally different, in general our missions are to fly to a destination, loiter over a target for as long as possible and then return. In this scenario, we need to maximise range for the first part of the journey and get there as efficiently as possible (minimum watts per mile). Once at the target we need to switch to an endurance mode and fly at the minimum speed possible to maximise the amount of time over the target. We then need to return home at a speed that maximises range again (this might alter if a payload is dropped).
Alternatively we might need three modes, in an emergency you might need to get to a target quickly (optimal cruise speed as per airliner), loiter for as long as possible (maximum endurance) and then return as efficiently as possible (maximum range).

I'm not much of a maths guru but using logic I figure the first and easiest step is determining the maximum endurance of an airframe which would be done by finding the minimum amount of thrust required to maintain level flight. At this point, power consumption is minimized and the endurance is maximised (while speed and range are sacrificed), this would have to assume that motor and ESC efficiency are linear (from what I have read brushless motors are more efficient in the medium power bands anyway).

At the other end of the spectrum is the maximum range which I'm a little less sure on how we calculate on a model. For this I figure we need to know about the drag characteristics of each airframe across the full range of speeds.
I also figure that to calculate the optimal cruise speed (max speed with minimal power as per airliner) we would also need to know about drag at different speeds.
Is there anyway the APM logs could be used to figure out useful drag measurements to calculate these speeds for our airframes?

Or, are these speeds the APM could actually calculate itself by performing an 'in flight calibration'?
You could define in the flight planner which portions of the journey should be for calibration and which for maximimum range, endurance or efficient speed.
The APM could then slowly adjust the crafts speed downward in the calibration phase to determine the minimum amount of power required to maintain altitude and store this as the loiter speed. It could then slowly increase the power and measure which power setting delivers the maximum range for input power and then the maximum speed that uses the least fuel per hour.

I realise that there is also windspeed which could affect these numbers, which might mean that the APM might always need to be in 'calibration mode' and once put into one of these modes, constantly optimize the power so as to deliver maximum range, endurance or minimum time depending on what you want.

Once my new motor arrives (my stock motor now barely maintains flight) I will do some testing and add to this post, but would be interested in others thoughts on this topic as there seems to be a severe lack of discussion on such a relevant topic to UAS.

This is the first fly test of my first Hexicopter X build.
I use ACM2.0.33 code with the defaut PIDs setting.
It seems roll and pitch PIDs are overshot to it.
RTL heading angle is about too sharp either.
Each arm length is 30 cm (60 cm axis to axis).
Will try to fine tune PIDs to make it better.
My 50cm arm length Tricopter can fly well w/o modifying default PIDs.
So I personally like Tricopter better, easier build and not much tuning.
But this hexi can fly about 10 minutes and gives me a chace to try PIDs tuning.

At long last, I finally beat MAVLink into Java submission. I wasn't able to find any MAVLink bindings for Java (needed by android), so I ended up using JNI and wrote a MAVLink wrapper. It works nicely and makes using MAVLink very easy. Its available for download here. I've included both the "common" and the "pixhawk" messages.

As you see above, I've added a HUD mode.

I've uploaded the new copy of the GCS for easy download or through the Android Market (search copter-gcs). Of course the source is available through SVN

I am focused on Copters, as that is what I fly, but with MAVLink support, the copter-gcs is now also useful for ArduPilotMega. I loaded the APM code on my quad (minus the props :-) ), and was able to see / tune track just fine with it. The only thing missing is that the PID tuning widgets I have are currently only setup for the copter. The next version I expect will have the APM pids added in. For now you can just use the Parameters view to set anything you like:

When you make a change, just hit the button next to is to save it.

That's about the news for now. I will be working on Mission Planning and some clean-up next.

If anyone has any problems, let me know. Same thing if there is a feature missing (no promises though).

So far USB host mode for tablets (connect XBee directly) and Wifi links have been requested, although i'm not sure when/if they will make it in.

These guys are getting better and better :)

Hello everybody, just wanted you to know that I just published a paper here https://sites.google.com/site/imager3d/quadrotor It is a brief description of a concept-proof steering system for Quadcopters, based on the transposition of the center of mass of the copter. I have not made tests, it is just a straight idea. Thanks to the readers! bye droners

I completed the MTP II (Modular Testing Platform) as far as I could while I waited to receive the new Motor and Servos I'd ordered. They came in the last day of this week, so I'll be completing the MTP II next week. There is a lot of improvements on this design/construction over the first MTP, some include:

-Minor fuselage improvements for better aerodynamics and strength. (including moving the wooden dowels to be apart of the construction instead of just sitting inside the fuselage.

-Improved airfoil: I got a lot of feedback that while the K2 airfoil was functional, I'd be better off with a more classic airfoil, so I built a Clark Y airfoil. I got the information for this wing from: http://www.worldofkrauss.com/foils which is an AMAZING site for airfoil research. You HAVE to go check it out. I gives not only the exact shape of each airfoil, but also it's flight characteristics. Very cool.

-Next, instead of using one of my radio's channel to control the rudder, I'm using it to control a set of ailerons, which will give me a lot more control and allow me additional roll stability options. I stole this idea from fellow YouTube user PeteDaws.

-I also used CA Foam Safe Glue instead of Hot Glue. In the past I'd had airplane literally melt in the trunk of my car due to all the heat, CA Glue won't fail due to that as once it's bonded, it doesn't let go. Also I found that the construction of the airplane was much more precise and clean. Weight also dropped by about 15 - 20%.

-Lastly, I ordered a larger motor as the last motor was too weak for this size of airplane.

So what do you think? Looking better? Any other improvements I should make before I make the maiden?

Links:

New Motor: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m55-optima450-2220-1800kv-2.html

Old Motor: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2107__Turnigy_28-22-azj_7A_1400Kv_Brushless_Outrunner.html

CA Glue I Used: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKAV8&P=ML

Wing Design Site: http://www.worldofkrauss.com/foils

PeteDaws video I got the aileron idea from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WSVLErw-dQ

Came across this nice little video.. Would be intresting to figure out the hardware and code for this..

Android

16-19 August 2011
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC, USA
http://symposium.auvsi.org

AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America is the premier forum for reviewing, assessing and discussing the current state of the unmanned systems market. The event brings together the key leaders and decision-makers in the industry. Officials from government and user organizations around the world attend and participate in the symposium program.

• 450+ Exhibitors (473,000 Gross Sq. Feet/43,900 sq. meters of exhibit space)
• 6,500+ Attendees
  • Commercial and defense operators
  • CEOs and high-level decision-makers
  • Government and industry program managers
  • Policy makers
  • Scientists, researchers and students
• Representation from over 30 countries:  Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
• Indoor demonstration areas for air, ground and maritime vehicles
• 150+ Technical, Workshop, Panel and Poster Presentations
  • Military, civil and commercial applications
  • Updates on the latest industry trends and future programs
  • Panel discussions to influence future policies and decision making
  • Technology transfer, interoperability and commonality discussions across domains
  • and much more!
• Beyond the Booth Showcase featuring product announcements and presentations by exhibitors from the exhibit hall floor
• Exhibit Hall Uniform Day - Military and uniformed civil servants (i.e. first responders - police, firefighters, etc.) will have complimentary access to the exhibit hall on Friday, 19 August.

Don't miss this exciting event - visit http://symposium.auvsi.org for more details and to register.

Dear Friends,

this is the OnBoard Video during the flight test of HexaFox32:

Drone Configuration :

CPU : MP32

IMU : VRIMU 1.0

Radio : Jeti with PPM SUM 1 wire 12 channel.

ESC : HobbyWing 30A Pentium

Propeller : 10x4.5

CAM : Go Pro HD connected directoly above on battery support

Firmware : ArduPirates NG32 + MixerTable for HexFlight .

TX Video : 1.2 Ghz 200 mwatt pal video trasmitter tested until 340 m work fine.

Snapshot Source code for Hexa Radial :

http://code.google.com/p/multipilot32/downloads/detail?name=vrobotix-ide-0.0.4%20mixer%20hexaradial.zip&can=2&q=#makechanges

I'm working on this configuration for develop affodable platform for FPV and Aerial Video and Picture , this is minor Brother of VR Dragon. The next step test the Gimbal with my custom stabilization code.

Best

Roberto

Original Post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/hexafox-32-on-board-video

Found this Quadcopter build while browsing Instructables.com today. Lots of good information....

build instructions

As part of my ongoing research project to buy every autopilot out there and see how they work (an expensive hobby!), I just got a FY-21AP, which is a $250 stabilization and RTL box (basically an autopilot with most of the usual features taken out).  (I bought it from HobbyKing for $195, but as Hooks warned us that didn't last long. It's no longer available from HobbyKing.) You can read Hook's introduction to it (and links to reviews) here, but I just wanted to point out some cool things that caught my eye in a quick unboxing.

First, it comes with a really neat vibration isolation "hammock", which is the little platform in the picture above with rubber bands on all four corners. That's a great way to dampen vibration; we should make and sell one of those for APM, too.

Second, here is the usual warrenty-breaking opening of the box:

It's got the same ST ARM chip and ST sensors as all the other FeiYu boards, with a barometric pressure sensor in the bottom right of the board at the top. A neat, simple design. It uses a Locosys 10Hz GPS with a small ceramic patch antenna.

There is no provision for a ground station or any desktop setup software (although you can hook up an optional OSD and see data in the video stream).  All adjustment for your airframe must be made via the little trim pots. It can handle elevons with a jumper, but not V-tails (you need to use an external mixer for that).

There are three modes: stabilized (optionally with fixed altitude), return-to-launch (RTL) or circle-in-place. They are selected with two toggle switches on your transmitter.

Throttle is not controlled, and altitude is only controlled with the elevator, so the manual warns you to keep your throttle pretty high to avoid stalls in auto mode.

The documentation is much improved from the previous FeiYu Tech manuals (which were partly in Chinese) and comes on one big double-sided sheet of paper:

I haven't flown it yet, but I'm guessing it a does a pretty good job on most aircraft. If you don't need a full autopilot with programmable waypoints and ground stations, etc, this seems like a fine choice. In particular, it seems really well suited for FPV fliers to protect against getting disoriented and having trouble making it back home.

• July 2012: first navigation in "radio controlled" mode on Lake Geneva
• July 2013: first autonomous navigation, probably St Malo -> Jersey -> St Malo or Les Sables d'Olonne -> Douarnenez

Sincerely yours.

Pierre

See the video from the Belgium television:  here